Wanted to relay this information that Alex Kuncio our travel agent has a NEW ADDRESS:
4570 Campus Drive, Suite 52
Newort Beach, CA 92660
Same phone number 949/756-3223
Same email Bookit1@earthlink.net
Monday, August 25, 2008
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Welcome to Our Ship…Carnival Spirit
Let’s start by providing you with a little introduction on ship sizes. The cruise industry’s perspective is that ‘Size does matter even with Ships’. The Carnival Spirit is in the category of the “Big Ships” as she holds 2,124 passengers. Consider the ship to be a floating, moving resort hotel.
Carnival Spirit like other ships has plenty of activities that you can participate in, cabin/stateroom options to choose, extensive public areas such as casinos, spas, theaters, pools, nightclubs and bars and alternative dining options. Because of the size of our group the decision to go with a larger ship, good itinerary and cruise price were factors in selecting this particular cruise. Noted below for your information are the ships category sizes:
LARGE SHIPS 2-4,000 passengers plus
MIDDLE SHIPS 1-2,000
SMALLER SHIPS under 1,000
Additional information about the Carnival Spirit that might be of interest to you are:
• Total Staterooms - 1,062
• Private Balcony Staterooms - 750
• Decks - 12
• Passenger capacity - 2,124
• Total crew - 930
• Officer's nationality - Italian
• Ship size – Large
• Tonnage - 88,500
• Ship length - 960
• Registry – Panama
There are a number of Public Areas on the ship that you will be able to explore and enjoy during your cruise. I highly recommend once you get on board, that you go to the Purser’s Information Desk and ask for a handy ship layout map to help you familiarize yourself to the floors/decks on the ship and the various rooms, lounges and areas on board. Here are a few of the areas you will become familiar with:
• La Playa Grille Restaurant
This is the casual self serve dining area that you will be first invited to enjoy lunch upon embarkation. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and have snacks available between meals as well as Pizza, 24hours a day as I recall!
• Empire Dining Room
This is the main dining room. They do serve breakfast, lunch and dinner here for you.You will need to decide on an early or late dining seating for dinner. But breakfast & lunch are open seating.
• Nouveau Supper Club
The Supper Club is the ship’s upscale specialty dining restaurant. There is a supplemental charge for this restaurant and you will need to make reservations.
• Pharaoh’s Palace Lounge
This is one of the main entertainment stage areas.
• Versailles Lounge
Yet another entertainment area.
• Shanghai Piano Bar
Great after dinner bar to hang out and listen to some music and visit with friends.
• Champions Sports Bar
Guys and gals you know this one, sports and a bar! Need I say more?
• Dancin’ Dance Club
This is their Dance Club or Disco for those Baby Boomers!
• Chippendale Library/Internet access
Library (minimal reading selection, so bring a book to donate & leave) and access for your internet needs.
• The Chapel
Church Service, weddings and renewals, right here for you?
So if you haven’t signed up yet and need to pick a stateroom/cabin, be sure you check out our blog article “Inside, Outside, Balcony …Oh My?”! Also if you go on line at Carnival Spirit Stateroom you can see photos of the stateroom that makes it an easier decision for you.
And finally, if you haven’t received a Cruise brochure and would like one, contact our travel agent Alex. You can email her directly with your request (see side bar on our blog for her name, double click and it will open you to her email for contact) be sure you include your mailing address so she can get that in the mail to you.
Remember, preparation for the journey is part of the adventure…enjoy the anticipation and look forward to the journey. Bon Voyage!
Carnival Spirit like other ships has plenty of activities that you can participate in, cabin/stateroom options to choose, extensive public areas such as casinos, spas, theaters, pools, nightclubs and bars and alternative dining options. Because of the size of our group the decision to go with a larger ship, good itinerary and cruise price were factors in selecting this particular cruise. Noted below for your information are the ships category sizes:
LARGE SHIPS 2-4,000 passengers plus
MIDDLE SHIPS 1-2,000
SMALLER SHIPS under 1,000
Additional information about the Carnival Spirit that might be of interest to you are:
• Total Staterooms - 1,062
• Private Balcony Staterooms - 750
• Decks - 12
• Passenger capacity - 2,124
• Total crew - 930
• Officer's nationality - Italian
• Ship size – Large
• Tonnage - 88,500
• Ship length - 960
• Registry – Panama
There are a number of Public Areas on the ship that you will be able to explore and enjoy during your cruise. I highly recommend once you get on board, that you go to the Purser’s Information Desk and ask for a handy ship layout map to help you familiarize yourself to the floors/decks on the ship and the various rooms, lounges and areas on board. Here are a few of the areas you will become familiar with:
• La Playa Grille Restaurant
This is the casual self serve dining area that you will be first invited to enjoy lunch upon embarkation. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and have snacks available between meals as well as Pizza, 24hours a day as I recall!
• Empire Dining Room
This is the main dining room. They do serve breakfast, lunch and dinner here for you.You will need to decide on an early or late dining seating for dinner. But breakfast & lunch are open seating.
• Nouveau Supper Club
The Supper Club is the ship’s upscale specialty dining restaurant. There is a supplemental charge for this restaurant and you will need to make reservations.
• Pharaoh’s Palace Lounge
This is one of the main entertainment stage areas.
• Versailles Lounge
Yet another entertainment area.
• Shanghai Piano Bar
Great after dinner bar to hang out and listen to some music and visit with friends.
• Champions Sports Bar
Guys and gals you know this one, sports and a bar! Need I say more?
• Dancin’ Dance Club
This is their Dance Club or Disco for those Baby Boomers!
• Chippendale Library/Internet access
Library (minimal reading selection, so bring a book to donate & leave) and access for your internet needs.
• The Chapel
Church Service, weddings and renewals, right here for you?
So if you haven’t signed up yet and need to pick a stateroom/cabin, be sure you check out our blog article “Inside, Outside, Balcony …Oh My?”! Also if you go on line at Carnival Spirit Stateroom you can see photos of the stateroom that makes it an easier decision for you.
And finally, if you haven’t received a Cruise brochure and would like one, contact our travel agent Alex. You can email her directly with your request (see side bar on our blog for her name, double click and it will open you to her email for contact) be sure you include your mailing address so she can get that in the mail to you.
Remember, preparation for the journey is part of the adventure…enjoy the anticipation and look forward to the journey. Bon Voyage!
Photo provided by Flickr: Platibolo photographer
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Hidden Costs of Cruises
Cruises in my opinion are still one of my favorite getaway vacations. And not all cruises are all inclusive and there are “hidden costs” that are not always highlighted in the marketing and promotional hype of cruising. So check out the Cruise Critic “Hidden Costs of Cruises article” and the notations I have highlighted below for what you might expect on your journey on a floating resort. Hope it helps…Bon Voyage... Diana
Cruise Tax, Charges and Fees
You’re looking at the Sunday travel section in your local paper and come across the discounted price of the same cruise you are taking with this group. You ask, why is this so cheap, I thought Diana said we got a good deal?
Well actually you did get the best deal as a group and early sign-up. Did you know that when a cruise line advertises its cruise rate it does not often include the cruise surcharges and port fees and government taxes? So the price you see is their basic rate at the time of posting. Our group rate on our flyer includes all those hidden surcharges, fees and taxes PLUS we also add travel insurance. So beware of those deals. Also pending the final outcome of the number in our group, you may just find additional cost savings with cabin credits as we return the benefit of group credits to each that sign up with our Friends & Fun Group Cruise. Trust me stay on with our group, as you won’t be getting that cabin credit with the travel section sign-up!
Gratuity & Tips
Each cruise ship has its’ own policy & recommendations with tipping. For the Carnival Cruise Line you can figure that the cruise line will be charging your Sail & Sign Charge Card for about $10.00 per day ($3.50 for Stateroom Services, $5.50 for Dining Room services and $1.00 for Alternative Services) per passenger or $80.00 for an 8 night cruise This is an automatic charge and you will have to follow-up with the Purser Information Desk to adjust your gratuity. If you find you are not happy with your service. You can tip more or less pending the service you received. But keep in mind that the cruise staff works at minimum or in some cases less than minimum wages. So the gratuity/tipping by their passengers they serve is very important to them and they will make every effort to make it right. I always like to slip a hearty tip early to start besides the recommended tip. The reason for this is so I can request the extra ice or three more towels and not feel guilty of the mess I may leave between my dashing in and out of my cabin. You will be amazed at how much your room steward does do for you to make your cabin nice and your cruise comfortable. All it takes is just asking.
Taxis & Transportation
Whether you need to take a cab to or from the airport or you want to hire a private taxis to show you around a port. Transportation and tipping is another hidden cost for cruising. Although, you may not need transportation in all the ports of call you will be visiting. You will at some point need to take some sort of transportation. So plan for it, know your options in advance and have some cash on hand for this occasion.
Drinks
Sodas/Specialty Coffee drinks/Cocktails/Bar drinks/Wine at Dinner/Liquor in your stateroom/liquor by the bottle purchases on-line/ liquor bought in the ship store and let’s not forget the stocked stateroom refrigerator bar…Yes all of these drinks can cost you during your cruise trip. So what can I drink for free? Go to the self serve buffet, where the coffee, water, milk and juice are free at the café dispenser. All else will cost you. I recommend if you are a soda drinker that you look into a soda card for this trip $2.00 at the bar can add up quickly for a small glass of soda. Check on line for drink coupons and see if this might also be an advantage for your cruise style needs.
Casino/Bingo
Another tip about floating resorts like this cruise ship is that they have a familiar activity known as the casino, certainly not as extensive as the famous casinos in Nevada or New Jersey. But ample in size to play most games so bring your luck to the tables or machines. And yes, I understand that some jackpots are affiliated with the “big casino jackpots”, so be sure to bring your luck and your gambling budget dollars. Bingo is another activity that is an option for your entertainment. It can be costly, as I recall it costing up to $20.00 for a game, but both prizes and cash pots are your hopeful goal, right?
Internet Access
In this current technological world, communication is crucial. Whether to stay in touch with a love one or the importance to know that your professional responsibilities cannot be missed, your cruise ship has provided this option for you ----internet access for a price! Much like an internet café you can link on and stay connected throughout your on board journey. No need for a laptop either…the ship has plenty of computers on board as luggage capacity might be a concern for some airlines.
Shore Excursions
You’ve been too busy to research and prepare for port exploration through Barnes and Nobles and the internet to explore on your own. So you signed-up for the Carnival shore excursion. Your ship sails into port and you’re ready to get off on deck two and join the group tour to experience the Cuyutlan turtle experience. No problem, the cruise shore excursion is a perfect way to do so. But all these shore excursions have a fee so be sure you know this and plan accordingly. There are no cost savings to signing up early but if you do, you are guaranteed a spot as some excursions are very popular.
Special Interest Workshops & Classes
Although the cruise ship states that entertainment is covered in your cruise price. You should know that not all entertainment activities are included. On occasion through your cruise, you may come across some specialty workshops and classes such as computer classes or perhaps a wine tasting class etc. that may have an additional cost. Be sure you check your cruise newsletter for details and specifics. You can also call your purser or concierge for clarification on participating in the workshop or class.
Spa & Wellness Treatments
Hot Stone therapy, Swedish massage, Aromatherapy and body scrub, Deep Tissue and Wrap…. Aaaaah can’t wait! Need to relax? Want to feel pampered? Spa and Wellness treatments are available for your selection. However, these treatments have a fee and don’t forget you will need to tip your masseuse as well. Reservations are a must!
Shopping & Souvenirs
You will not even have to get into port to go shopping. The cruise ship has a shopping gallery with designer style items, logo wear and even postcards. Additionally be aware that throughout your cruise journey you will be given a number of promotional sale item flyers for local theme specialty items such as art work, jewelry and liquor. So bring your budgeted money if this is of interest.
Photos and Accessories
It starts the minute you board the gang plank…Click! Flash! Click! The cruise photographers are there snapping your photos. Group, couples, single, eating, playing and laughing AND if that isn’t enough, you also will have opportunities to take formal professional theme scenery photographs, 4x6, 5x7, 8x10’s!! These are an additional expense that can be charged to your Sail and Sign card and you’ll see it at the end of your cruise when you check out. So beware!
Additional Specialty Restaurants
This is an optional opportunity to partake in my opinion. But if you’re a gourmand like me…you’re gonna want to pay the supplemental fee of $20-30 dollars to have a 5 Star restaurant experience or need that steamed rice craving and belly up to on-board sushi? The Supper Club on the Carnival Cruise is a must do opportunity if you are a foodie. This is where Carnival is providing an opportunity for an elegant dining experience and you will need to make your reservations ahead of time. Don’t worry there will be a sign-up table when you board. So think about this opportunity and when you would like to celebrate with your friends or to getaway just by yourself or with someone special.
Cruise Tax, Charges and Fees
You’re looking at the Sunday travel section in your local paper and come across the discounted price of the same cruise you are taking with this group. You ask, why is this so cheap, I thought Diana said we got a good deal?
Well actually you did get the best deal as a group and early sign-up. Did you know that when a cruise line advertises its cruise rate it does not often include the cruise surcharges and port fees and government taxes? So the price you see is their basic rate at the time of posting. Our group rate on our flyer includes all those hidden surcharges, fees and taxes PLUS we also add travel insurance. So beware of those deals. Also pending the final outcome of the number in our group, you may just find additional cost savings with cabin credits as we return the benefit of group credits to each that sign up with our Friends & Fun Group Cruise. Trust me stay on with our group, as you won’t be getting that cabin credit with the travel section sign-up!
Gratuity & Tips
Each cruise ship has its’ own policy & recommendations with tipping. For the Carnival Cruise Line you can figure that the cruise line will be charging your Sail & Sign Charge Card for about $10.00 per day ($3.50 for Stateroom Services, $5.50 for Dining Room services and $1.00 for Alternative Services) per passenger or $80.00 for an 8 night cruise This is an automatic charge and you will have to follow-up with the Purser Information Desk to adjust your gratuity. If you find you are not happy with your service. You can tip more or less pending the service you received. But keep in mind that the cruise staff works at minimum or in some cases less than minimum wages. So the gratuity/tipping by their passengers they serve is very important to them and they will make every effort to make it right. I always like to slip a hearty tip early to start besides the recommended tip. The reason for this is so I can request the extra ice or three more towels and not feel guilty of the mess I may leave between my dashing in and out of my cabin. You will be amazed at how much your room steward does do for you to make your cabin nice and your cruise comfortable. All it takes is just asking.
Taxis & Transportation
Whether you need to take a cab to or from the airport or you want to hire a private taxis to show you around a port. Transportation and tipping is another hidden cost for cruising. Although, you may not need transportation in all the ports of call you will be visiting. You will at some point need to take some sort of transportation. So plan for it, know your options in advance and have some cash on hand for this occasion.
Drinks
Sodas/Specialty Coffee drinks/Cocktails/Bar drinks/Wine at Dinner/Liquor in your stateroom/liquor by the bottle purchases on-line/ liquor bought in the ship store and let’s not forget the stocked stateroom refrigerator bar…Yes all of these drinks can cost you during your cruise trip. So what can I drink for free? Go to the self serve buffet, where the coffee, water, milk and juice are free at the café dispenser. All else will cost you. I recommend if you are a soda drinker that you look into a soda card for this trip $2.00 at the bar can add up quickly for a small glass of soda. Check on line for drink coupons and see if this might also be an advantage for your cruise style needs.
Casino/Bingo
Another tip about floating resorts like this cruise ship is that they have a familiar activity known as the casino, certainly not as extensive as the famous casinos in Nevada or New Jersey. But ample in size to play most games so bring your luck to the tables or machines. And yes, I understand that some jackpots are affiliated with the “big casino jackpots”, so be sure to bring your luck and your gambling budget dollars. Bingo is another activity that is an option for your entertainment. It can be costly, as I recall it costing up to $20.00 for a game, but both prizes and cash pots are your hopeful goal, right?
Internet Access
In this current technological world, communication is crucial. Whether to stay in touch with a love one or the importance to know that your professional responsibilities cannot be missed, your cruise ship has provided this option for you ----internet access for a price! Much like an internet café you can link on and stay connected throughout your on board journey. No need for a laptop either…the ship has plenty of computers on board as luggage capacity might be a concern for some airlines.
Shore Excursions
You’ve been too busy to research and prepare for port exploration through Barnes and Nobles and the internet to explore on your own. So you signed-up for the Carnival shore excursion. Your ship sails into port and you’re ready to get off on deck two and join the group tour to experience the Cuyutlan turtle experience. No problem, the cruise shore excursion is a perfect way to do so. But all these shore excursions have a fee so be sure you know this and plan accordingly. There are no cost savings to signing up early but if you do, you are guaranteed a spot as some excursions are very popular.
Special Interest Workshops & Classes
Although the cruise ship states that entertainment is covered in your cruise price. You should know that not all entertainment activities are included. On occasion through your cruise, you may come across some specialty workshops and classes such as computer classes or perhaps a wine tasting class etc. that may have an additional cost. Be sure you check your cruise newsletter for details and specifics. You can also call your purser or concierge for clarification on participating in the workshop or class.
Spa & Wellness Treatments
Hot Stone therapy, Swedish massage, Aromatherapy and body scrub, Deep Tissue and Wrap…. Aaaaah can’t wait! Need to relax? Want to feel pampered? Spa and Wellness treatments are available for your selection. However, these treatments have a fee and don’t forget you will need to tip your masseuse as well. Reservations are a must!
Shopping & Souvenirs
You will not even have to get into port to go shopping. The cruise ship has a shopping gallery with designer style items, logo wear and even postcards. Additionally be aware that throughout your cruise journey you will be given a number of promotional sale item flyers for local theme specialty items such as art work, jewelry and liquor. So bring your budgeted money if this is of interest.
Photos and Accessories
It starts the minute you board the gang plank…Click! Flash! Click! The cruise photographers are there snapping your photos. Group, couples, single, eating, playing and laughing AND if that isn’t enough, you also will have opportunities to take formal professional theme scenery photographs, 4x6, 5x7, 8x10’s!! These are an additional expense that can be charged to your Sail and Sign card and you’ll see it at the end of your cruise when you check out. So beware!
Additional Specialty Restaurants
This is an optional opportunity to partake in my opinion. But if you’re a gourmand like me…you’re gonna want to pay the supplemental fee of $20-30 dollars to have a 5 Star restaurant experience or need that steamed rice craving and belly up to on-board sushi? The Supper Club on the Carnival Cruise is a must do opportunity if you are a foodie. This is where Carnival is providing an opportunity for an elegant dining experience and you will need to make your reservations ahead of time. Don’t worry there will be a sign-up table when you board. So think about this opportunity and when you would like to celebrate with your friends or to getaway just by yourself or with someone special.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Ship Language …"What’s that you say?"
By now you have received and read the eflyer invitation to our cruise or you may have gone on line and explored the website for the cruise line and I’m sure you have browsed through the pages of your cruise brochure, right? You have made a deposit on your cruise and Alex our travel agent has got you assigned to a stateroom and a reservation number, personally for you.
You are thrilled, excited and can’t seem to get this smile off your face. You look through the diagram layout of the ship daydreaming trying to read the small print to find the location of your stateroom. Where is it? Where are we? What area is this? Am I at the front of the ship or back? Do we enter on the right or left of the ship? Now what deck was that for the buffet? Hey I’m bringing Lady Luck, now where did Diana say the Casino was? I better find that Workout area, now where is that?
Though not necessary to get around the ship, knowing the ship terminology makes it fun and kind of an authentic seafaring experience. Here are a few terms that will make you look like you’re a seasoned cruiser as well as get you familiar with your floating home for the next few days…
Aft - Towards the rear of the ship
Amidships - Towards or at the middle of the ship
Astern - Behind the ship
Beam - Ship’s width at the widest point
Below - The area below the “Main Deck”
Berth - Quay, dock or pier where the ship ties up or the act of so doing. Also a term used
aboard ship for a sleeping point or bed.
Bilges - The lowest part of the ship
Boat Station - The place taken by passengers during lifeboat drill
Bow - The forward pointed part of the ship which acts as a control center
Bridge - The forward and upper part of the ship
Bulkhead - Interior partition or wall aboard ship
Cabin - Passenger’s room, otherwise known as a stateroom
Captain - Overall commander of the ship
Chief Engineer - Officer responsible for mechanical well being of the ship
Course - Ship’s passage in a given direction expressed in degree
Cruise Director - Individual in charge of entertainment and on-board activities
Disembark - To get off the ship
Embark - To join a ship for a voyage
Fantail- The rear, overhanging part of the ship
Fore- Front part of the ship
Galley- Ship’s kitchen
Gangway- The passageway or stairway that links the ship to the quayside
Hotel Manager- Officer in charge of passenger service
Launch- A small boat that transfers passengers from ship to shore when the vessel is
unable to berth
Leeward- The side of the ship that is sheltered from the wind
Lifeboat- A small boat that transfers passengers to a rescue ship during emergencies
Lifejacket- An inflatable jacket that allows the wearer to float in water
Muster Station- Assembly point in an emergency
Passenger/ The number of passengers divided by the number of crew gives the ratio.
Crew ratio- The lower this Crew ratio figure, the better the on-board service will be
Port-The left-hand side of the ship, when facing forward
Purser- Officer in charge of finance
Stabilizer- A retractable device that protrudes from the hull below waterline to provide
stability when the ship is moving
Staff Captain- The second in command of the Captain
Starboard- The right hand side of the ship, when facing forward
Stateroom- Passenger’s room, otherwise known as the cabin
Stern- The rear flat part of the ship, opposite the bow
Tender- A small boat that transfer passengers from ship to shore when the ship is
unable to berth
Windward- The side of the ship that is not sheltered from the wind
Nautical terms provided by DK Eyewitness Travel Cruise Guide to Europe and the Mediterranean
You are thrilled, excited and can’t seem to get this smile off your face. You look through the diagram layout of the ship daydreaming trying to read the small print to find the location of your stateroom. Where is it? Where are we? What area is this? Am I at the front of the ship or back? Do we enter on the right or left of the ship? Now what deck was that for the buffet? Hey I’m bringing Lady Luck, now where did Diana say the Casino was? I better find that Workout area, now where is that?
Though not necessary to get around the ship, knowing the ship terminology makes it fun and kind of an authentic seafaring experience. Here are a few terms that will make you look like you’re a seasoned cruiser as well as get you familiar with your floating home for the next few days…
Aft - Towards the rear of the ship
Amidships - Towards or at the middle of the ship
Astern - Behind the ship
Beam - Ship’s width at the widest point
Below - The area below the “Main Deck”
Berth - Quay, dock or pier where the ship ties up or the act of so doing. Also a term used
aboard ship for a sleeping point or bed.
Bilges - The lowest part of the ship
Boat Station - The place taken by passengers during lifeboat drill
Bow - The forward pointed part of the ship which acts as a control center
Bridge - The forward and upper part of the ship
Bulkhead - Interior partition or wall aboard ship
Cabin - Passenger’s room, otherwise known as a stateroom
Captain - Overall commander of the ship
Chief Engineer - Officer responsible for mechanical well being of the ship
Course - Ship’s passage in a given direction expressed in degree
Cruise Director - Individual in charge of entertainment and on-board activities
Disembark - To get off the ship
Embark - To join a ship for a voyage
Fantail- The rear, overhanging part of the ship
Fore- Front part of the ship
Galley- Ship’s kitchen
Gangway- The passageway or stairway that links the ship to the quayside
Hotel Manager- Officer in charge of passenger service
Launch- A small boat that transfers passengers from ship to shore when the vessel is
unable to berth
Leeward- The side of the ship that is sheltered from the wind
Lifeboat- A small boat that transfers passengers to a rescue ship during emergencies
Lifejacket- An inflatable jacket that allows the wearer to float in water
Muster Station- Assembly point in an emergency
Passenger/ The number of passengers divided by the number of crew gives the ratio.
Crew ratio- The lower this Crew ratio figure, the better the on-board service will be
Port-The left-hand side of the ship, when facing forward
Purser- Officer in charge of finance
Stabilizer- A retractable device that protrudes from the hull below waterline to provide
stability when the ship is moving
Staff Captain- The second in command of the Captain
Starboard- The right hand side of the ship, when facing forward
Stateroom- Passenger’s room, otherwise known as the cabin
Stern- The rear flat part of the ship, opposite the bow
Tender- A small boat that transfer passengers from ship to shore when the ship is
unable to berth
Windward- The side of the ship that is not sheltered from the wind
Nautical terms provided by DK Eyewitness Travel Cruise Guide to Europe and the Mediterranean
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